The first of the long-running Tales of Japanese Chivalry (a.k.a. Legends of the Yakuza) franchise, Nihon Kyokaku-den chronicles a bitter feud over local lumber rights that brews and breaks out between two rival yakuza clans in the late Meiji era. Makino Masahiro's direction is a draught of clear straightforward style: bare of any visual gimmicks or fancy flourishes, it puts the spotlight on the actors and here you really get the goods. Takakura Ken gives a performance that would stick with him for the next decade as the paragon of Japanese manhood, beckoning us to the beating heart of his appeal as the ultimate old-school leading man: the very picture of deadpan, rock-steady and disdainful of outward display. Nakamura Kinnosuke also turns in a great performance as an emotionally tortured gambler who Takakura's character looks up to for guidance. Chivalry and honor are stained, tattooed chests are bared, swords and guns are drawn, and blood is shed.